Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey gives out instructions to his players during the Round 12 A-League match between the Brisbane Roar and the Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium at the weekend. Source: Getty Images

MIKE Mulvey has made his first tough call as head coach of the Brisbane Roar, releasing Yuji Takahashi's from his loan spell at the A-League club.

The young defender was boarding a flight back to Japan on Christmas morning, while his former teammates added the finishing touches to their preparation for the Roar's next assignment away against Adelaide United.

It was not an unexpected development for a side wallowing just one point clear of last-placed Sydney FC.

Takahashi had played 107 minutes from a possible 12 matches and had a clause in his contracted that allowed Brisbane to send him back early to Japanese second division club Kyoto Sanga.

His release frees up a visa spot for the Roar to chase hard for an experienced central defender during next month's transfer window.

Mulvey must make another change to his squad after fullback Jack Hingert stayed in Brisbane for treatment on his hip injury.

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